On the evening of April 6, 2013, Her Royal Highness Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa of Hawai’i attended the 2013 Merrie Monarchhula competition held at the Edith Kanaka‘ole stadium in Hilo, Hawai’i.

During last night’s festivities the lovely princess “… donated $2,000 to each participating kumu hula, and $25,000 to the Merrie Monarch Festival and its president, Luana Kawelu…”

Please click here for more information. Or, you can watch and listen to the announcement here(at the 7:30 mark). Also, if you missed the 2013 Merrie Monarch Festival and would like to watch it please click here. :)

And, finally, if you are interested here is the 1989 documentary entitled, Kumu Hula: Keepers of Culture, that you might enjoy.

Well, it’s that time of year again! It’s the 2013 Merrie Monarch Festival a yearly event which “…honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of our traditions, native language and the arts.” Yay! So, yeah, every year I mention this fantastic event because, well, I can. :) Moreover, it is truly a great event that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime.

With that being said, if you are interested watching the hula competitions via live stream on KFVE 5 please click here. Live streaming of the 50th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival begins at 6PM Hawai’i time. Or, you can watch yesterday’s event, Merrie Monarch Backstage, here. :)

Finally, if you are interested in learning more about the Merrie Monarch Festival please click here andhere.

On March 26, 1871, HRH Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Pi’ikoi was born in Kōloa, Kaua’i, Hawai’i. And, today throughout the Hawaiian Islands people have the day off and are celebrating the life of this amazing man.

On November 16, 1836, David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua was born, and in honor of the late king the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace and the Royal Guard of the Hawai’i Air National Guard celebrated his 176th birthday this past Friday.

On Sunday, September 2, 2012, the people throughout the Hawaiian Islands will celebrate the late Queen Liliʻuokalani’s birthday. At ‘Iolani Palace there will be an ‘Onipa’a celebration presented by the “… Hawai’i Pono’i Coalition, the celebration opens with an Oli by kumu Kalani Akana followed by a hula performance as well as an ecumenical service honoring the Queen…”

For more information about the celebrations please visit the official website for the Hawai’i Pono’i Coalition here.Or,pleaseclick herefor additional information from Ōiwi TV. :)

And, finally, if you have never seen the fantastic documentary, Hawai’i’s Last Queen, well, here is your chance. Click here to watch.

On this day in Hawaiian royal family history a gala ball was to take place in honor of Her Majesty Queen Lili`okalani’s birthday. Sadly, it was not to be. Click hereto find out why as well as to view a rare photo from ‘Iolani Palace. :)

Here is a interesting fact recently published by ‘Iolani Palace via the now defunct Pacific Commercial Advertiser newspaper:

“On the afternoon Monday, August 12, 1882, His Majesty the King entertained the Nobles and Representatives at a banquet at the dining hall of the new palace….”

Click hereto read the rest of the article on the official ‘Iolani Palace Facebook page. And, while you are at it why not “like” their page? Why? Well, they always publish interesting news, upcoming events, and facts about the palace as well as the royal family. :)

And, finally, here is a video about the history of the palace and the Hawaiian royal family entitled, ‘Iolani Palace: A King’s Noble Vision.

On March 30, 2012, His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga announced his heir to the Tongan throne at “…his residence Liukava.” Prince ‘Ulukalala, the king’s eldest son, is now known as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala of Tonga.

On April 5, 2012, members of the Tongan royal family ended their ten days of mourning by participating in the traditional hair-cutting ceremony. To read more about today’s event as well as to view photos please click here.

Meanwhile in Hilo, Hawai’i, preparations are underway for the 2012 Merrie Monarch Festival an event which “… honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of our traditions, native language and the arts…”

Yay! :) As you may or may not know by now, I am a huge supporter as well as fan of this week-long celebration… so yeah, I’m going to promote this amazing festival on my silly little blog. :)

Any way, if you are interested watching the hula competitions via live stream on KFVE 5 please click herebeginning on April 12-14 at 6pm Hawai’i time. Or, if you happen to live on the Big Island or will be vacationing there starting April 8 why not check it out? You won’t regret it. For more information about the 2012 Merrie Monarch Festival please visit their official website here.

On March 12, 2012, the Wall Street Journal published an interesting article about Her Royal Highness Princess Abigail Kawananakoa entitled, “Lunching with one of Hawaii’s Real ‘Descendants'”, by Julia Flynn Siler.

Ms. Siler recently published the book, “Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America’s First Imperial Adventure”.

On September 2, 1838, Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha on the island of O’ahu many know her as Her Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani of Hawai’i. In honor of Hawai’i’s great and last queen there will be various celebrations throughout the islands this weekend.

One major event will be the ‘Onipa‘a celebrations to be held at I’olani Palace on Sunday September 4, 2011. The event begins at 10am. For more information click here.